Search

Scientists continue to work in order to obtain clean and efficient energy in a sustainable and economical way. Biodiesel is an important research topic not only because it is a renewable energy source, but also because it is an environmentally friendly fuel that can be produced as efficiently as petroleum-derived fuels. The raw materials used are as important as the production parameters in the production of biodiesel fuels. Hemp is not a widely cultivated plant because its cultivation is subject to government control. However, by breeding, the production of species containing low amount of stimulant and high amount of seed and fiber can be realized. In case of an efficient fuel production in compliance with the determined standards, the hemp plant can be accepted as a raw material that can also be evaluated in the field of energy. In order to guide the studies to be carried out for this purpose, in this study, the conformity of the fuel obtained by producing biodiesel from hemp seed oil to the standards was examined. As a result of the fuel analysis, it has been seen that the fuel properties of the produced hemp biodiesel are largely compatible with the TS EN 14214 standards. The results obtained provided a sufficient starting point for the development of the study.

Aim: To describe the Turkish generalized lipodystrophy (GL) cohort with the frequency of each complication and the death rate during the period of the follow-up. Methods: This study reports on 72 patients with GL (47 families) registered at different centres in Turkey that cover all regions of the country. The mean ± SD follow-up was 86 ± 78 months. Results: The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of diabetes and/or prediabetes was 16 years. Hyperglycaemia was not controlled in 37 of 45 patients (82.2%) with diabetes. Hypertriglyceridaemia developed in 65 patients (90.3%). The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hypertriglyceridaemia was 14 years. Hypertriglyceridaemia was severe (≥ 500 mg/dl) in 38 patients (52.8%). Seven (9.7%) patients suffered from pancreatitis. The Kaplan–Meier estimate of the median time to diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was 15 years. Liver disease progressed to cirrhosis in nine patients (12.5%). Liver disease was more severe in congenital lipodystrophy type 2 (CGL2). Proteinuric chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 32 patients (44.4%) and cardiac disease in 23 patients (31.9%). Kaplan–Meier estimates of the median time to diagnosis of CKD and cardiac disease were 25 and 45 years, respectively. Females appeared to have a more severe metabolic disease, with an earlier onset of metabolic abnormalities. Ten patients died during the follow-up period. Causes of death were end-stage renal disease, sepsis (because of recurrent intestinal perforations, coronavirus disease, diabetic foot infection and following coronary artery bypass graft surgery), myocardial infarction, heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, liver complications and angiosarcoma. Conclusions: Standard treatment approaches have only a limited impact and do not prevent the development of severe metabolic abnormalities and early onset of organ complications in GL.

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare complex multisystem disorders caused by generalized or partial lack of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue dysfunction in lipodystrophy is associated with leptin deficiency. Lipodystrophy leads to severe metabolic problems. These abnormalities include, but are not limited to, insulin-resistant diabetes, severe hypertriglyceridemia, and lipid accumulation in ectopic organs such as the liver, and are associated with end-organ complications. Metabolic abnormalities can be present at the time of diagnosis or may develop over time as the disease progresses. In addition to metabolic abnormalities, subtype-specific presentations due to underlying molecular etiology in genetic forms and autoimmunity in acquired forms contribute to severe morbidity in lipodystrophy. (c) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Objective To evaluate pharyngeal airway and maxillary sinus volumes following symmetric rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion (ARME) treatment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods The study consisted of 60 patients presenting to the orthodontics clinic with an indication that they required symmetric or asymmetric rapid maxillary expansion treatment. Individuals were included if they were aged 12–15 years and had symmetric (RME group; 14 girls, 16 boys) or asymmetric (ARME group; 16 girls, 14 boys) maxillary deficiency. Maxillary sinus volume (mm3) and pharyngeal airway volume (upper, lower, and total; mm3) were evaluated using CBCT records. The parameters were compared before treatment (T1) and after 3 months in retention (T2). Results All measurements at T2 were increased significantly compared with T1 in the RME group (P < .05). In the ARME group, changes in the lower pharyngeal airway and the nonaffected maxillary sinus volumes (non-affected side of maxillary sinus volumes) were not significant; however, the other measurements increased significantly from T1 to T2 (P < .05). Intergroup comparisons revealed that total pharyngeal airway volume and total maxillary sinus volume changes were significantly greater in the RME group. Conclusions Pharyngeal airway and maxillary sinus volumes increased with both RME and ARME treatment. Both were found to be effective for treating transverse maxillary deficiency.

The objective of this study is to develop a new self-nanoemulsifying system containing exendin-4 with or without enzyme inhibitor chymostatin and to evaluate the effects of oral administration of exendin-4 and exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self nanoemulsifying system on plasma exendin-4, plasma insulin, blood glucose levels and to compare with the oral and subcutaneous administration of exendin-4 in non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Exendin-4 and exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self-nanoemulsifying system containing ethyl oleate as the oil phase, Cremophor EL (R)/Labrasol (R) as the surfactants and propylene glycol as the co-solvent were prepared. The mean droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and viscosity of exendin-4 loaded self-nanoemulsifying system were found as 24.28 +/- 0.43 nm, 0.17 +/- 0.01, -1.28 +/- 3.61 mV, 79.60 +/- 3.30 m.Pas, respectively. The mean droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and viscosity of exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self-nanoemulsifying system were found as 20.25 +/- 0.35 nm, 0.11 +/- 0.02, -1.85 +/- 2.49 mV, 100.02 +/- 7.65 m.Pas, respectively according to our previous study. In the present study, we focused on long-term physical stability studies, pharmacokinetic studies and pharmacodynamic studies of prepared self-nanoemulsifying systems. According to the long-term physical stability data, exendin-4 and exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self-nanoemulsifying systems were found stable both at 5 degrees C +/- 3 degrees C and at 25 degrees C +/- 60% RH for 12 months. Exendin-4 and exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self-nanoemulsifying systems increased AUC and C-max values in non-diabetic rats compared to the oral exendin-4 solution. In diabetic rats, exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self nanoemulsifying systems increased C-max values compared to the exendin-4 solution. Exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self-nanoemulsifying system decreased inter-subject variability compared to commercial Byetta (R). At 30th minute after administration of exendin-4 loaded self-nanoemulsifying system, exendin-4/chymostatin loaded self nanoemulsifying system and Byetta (R), blood glucose levels decreased to 23%, 25%, 29%, respectively. It has been shown that pharmacodynamic response is close to Byetta (R) with exendin-4/chymostatin self-nanoemulsifying system oral administration. In conclusion, a self nanoemulsifying system was found to be a suitable carrier system, and the combination with enzyme inhibitor chymostatin is thought to be promising for oral delivery of exendin-4.

The objective of this study was to prepare a stable self-nanoemulsifying formulation of exendin-4, which is an antidiabetic peptide. As exendin-4 is commercially available only in subcutaneous form, several attempts have been made to discover an effective oral formulation. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems are known to be suitable carriers for the oral administration of peptide drugs. Various ratios of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant mixtures were used to determine the area in the pseudoternary phase diagram for clear nanoemulsion. The Design of Experiment approach was used for the optimization of the formulation. Blank self-nanoemulsifying formulations containing ethyl oleate as oil phase, Cremophor EL

Despite the potential sensitivity and the wide range of applications for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), it is not used as a routine detection tool due mainly to the poor reproducibility of the enhanced SERS signals. In order to obtain reproducibly strong SERS data, both lithographic and non-lithographic approaches are intensively investigated to produce large-area nanopatterned SERS substrates displaying periodically arranged arrays of nanostructures. Herein, we report a facile method for the non-lithographic fabrication of plasmonic nanoparticle arrays by utilizing the barrier sides of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. The nanobump-decorated surfaces (NBDS) of AAO barrier sides were treated with wet etching to create periodic arrays of nanocraters. Upon coating with an optimized thickness of Au, the nanocrater decorated surfaces (NCDS) displayed intensified SERS signals compared with the NBDS counterparts. This result was also confirmed with simulation studies and it was related to the increased surface roughness for the NCDS substrates. The fabricated Au@NCDS nanoplatforms were stable for extended periods and allowed enhanced and reproducible SERS signals with relative standard deviation values ∼10% from independently prepared samples. Our current studies are focused on the potential use of these SERS substrates for sensing biomarker molecules including myoglobin and troponin-T., TÜBA

WOS:000410859400004 PubMed:28916744 This work reports the facile, one-step electro-polymerization synthesis of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) using a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate (EMIMHSO4) ionic liquid (IL) and, for the first time its utilization as a counter electrode (CE) in dyesensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Using the IL doped PEDOT as CE, we effectively improve the solar cell efficiency to as high as 8.52%, the highest efficiency reported in 150 mC/cm(2) charge capacity, an improvement of similar to 52% over the control device using the bare PEDOT CE (5.63%). Besides exhibiting good electrocatalytic stability, the highest efficiency reported for the PEDOT CE-based DSSCs using hydrogen sulphate [HSO4]-anion based ILs is also higher than platinum-(Pt)-based reference cells (7.87%). This outstanding performance is attributed to the enhanced charge mobility, reduced contact resistance, improved catalytic stability, smoother surface and well-adhesion. Our experimental analyses reveal that the [HSO4]-anion group of the IL bonds to the PEDOT, leading to higher electron mobility to balance the charge transport at the cathode, a better adhesion for high quality growth PEDOT CE on the substrates and superior catalytic stability. Consequently, the EMIMHSO4-doped PEDOT can successfully act as an excellent alternative green catalyst material, replacing expensive Pt catalysts, to improve performance of DSSCs. Karamanoglu Mehmetbey UniversityKaramanoglu Mehmetbey University [KMU-BAP-38-M-16] gratefully acknowledge financial support from Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University (KMU-BAP-38-M-16).

In the embryonic heart, blood flow is distributed through a bilaterally paired artery system composed of the aortic arches (AAs). The purpose of this study is to establish an understanding of the governing mechanism of microstructural maturation of the AA matrix and its reversibility, toward the desired macroscopic vessel lumen diameter and thickness for healthy, abnormal, and in ovo repaired abnormal mechanical loading. While matrix-remodeling mechanisms were significantly different for normal versus conotruncal banding (CTB), both led to an increase in vessel lumen. Correlated with right-sided flow increase at Hamburger & Hamilton stages 21, intermittent load switching between collagen I and III with elastin and collagen-IV defines the normal process. However, decreases in collagen I, elastin, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and fibrillin-1 in CTB were recovered almost fully following the CTB-release model, primarily because of the pressure load changes. The complex temporal changes in matrix proteins are illustrated through a predictive finite-element model based on elastin and collagen load-sharing mechanism to achieve lumen area increase and thickness increase resulting from wall shear stress and tissue strain, respectively. The effect of embryonic timing in cardiac interventions on AA microstructure was established where abnormal mechanical loading was selectively restored at the key stage of development. Recovery of the normal mechanical loading via early fetal intervention resulted in delayed microstructural maturation. Temporal elastin increase, correlated with wall shear stress, is required for continuous lumen area growth.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study undertakes comparative analyses of the mechanistic differences of the arterial matrix microstructure and dynamics in the three fundamental processes of control, conotruncal banded, and released conotruncal band in avian embryo. Among other findings, this study provides specific evidence on the restorative role of elastin during the early lumen growth process. During vascular development, a novel intermittent load-switching mechanism between elastin and collagen, triggered by a step increase in wall shear stress, governs the chronic vessel lumen cross-sectional area increase. Mimicking the fetal cardiovascular interventions currently performed in humans, the early release of the abnormal mechanical load rescues the arterial microstructure with time lag.

The microstructure for mature vessels has been investigated in detail, while there is limited information about the embryonic stages, in spite of their importance in the prognosis of congenital heart defects. It is hypothesized that the embryonic vasculature represents a disorganized but dynamic soft tissue, which rapidly evolves toward a specialized multi-cellular vascular structure under mechanical loading. Here the microstructural evolution process of the embryonic pharyngeal aortic arch structure was simulated using an in ovo validated long-term growth and remodeling computational model, implemented as an in-house FEBio plug-in. Optical coherence tomography-guided servo-null pressure measurements are assigned as boundary conditions through the critical embryonic stages. The accumulation of key microstructural constituents was recorded through zoom confocal microscopy for all six embryonic arch arteries simultaneously. The total amount and the radial variation slope of the collagen along the arch wall thickness in different arch types and for different embryonic times, with different dimension scales, were normalized and compared statistically. The arch growth model shows that the stress levels around the lumen boundary increase from $$\approx 270 \;{\text{Pa}}$$ (Stage 18) to a level higher than $$\approx 600 \;{\text{Pa}}$$ (Stage 24), depending on matrix constituent production rates, while the homeostatic strain level is kept constant. The statistical tests show that although the total collagen levels differentiate among bilateral positions of the same arch, the shape coefficient of the matrix microstructural gradient changes with embryonic time, proving radial localization, in accordance with numerical model results. In vivo cell number (DAPI) and vascular endothelial growth factor distributions followed similar trends.

Embryonic aortic arches (AA) are initially bilaterally paired, transitional vessels and failures in remodeling based on hemodynamic and growth-related adaptations cause a spectrum of congenital heart disease (CHD) anatomies. Identifying regulatory mechanisms and cross-talk between the genetic elements of these vessels are critical to understand the ethiology of CHD and refine predictive computational models. This study aims to screen expression profiles of fundamental biological pathways in AA at early stages of chick embryo morphogenesis and correlate them with our current understanding of growth and mechanical loading. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was followed by correlation and novel peak expression analyses to compare the behaviour and activation period of the genes. Available protein networks were also integrated to investigate the interactions between molecules and highlight major hierarchies. Only wall shear stress (WSS) and growth-correlated expression patterns were investigated. Effect of WSS was seen directly on angiogenesis as well on structural and apoptosis-related genes. Our time-resolved network suggested that WSS-correlated genes coordinate the activity of critical growth factors. Moreover, differential gene expression of left and right AA might be an indicator of subsequent asymmetric morphogenesis. These findings may further our understanding of the complex processes of cardiac morphogenesis and errors resulting in CHD., European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant - Vascular Growth project; European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO); European Union (European Union); Horizon 2020; European Research Council (ERC)

Köpekler, insanlarlaortak bir çevreyi paylaşır ve belirli köpek ırklarının hastalıkları hakkındabilgi, insan kanser çalışmaları için bir model geliştirmede çok yararlıdır.EST'ler, bir organizmanın transkribe edilen genomunun bir parçasını temsil ederve mikrosatellitleri tanımlamak için önemli bir kaynaktır. Tekrarlayan DNAdizilerini içeren Basit Dizi Tekrarları (SSR'ler) veya mikrosatellitler,bilinen en güçlü genetik belirteçler arasındadır. EST-SSR'lerin gelişimi,genomik çalışmalar için hızlı, verimli ve düşük maliyetli bir seçenek halinegelmiştir. Bu çalışmada, 2304 EST içeren Terrier köpeğin meme bezi dokusununEST koleksiyonundan SSR'lerin belirlenmesi için; Web tabanlı sürümleri olan vekolayca erişilebilen SSRIT ve IMEx yazılımları kullanılmıştır. SSRIT, 2 ila 10baz uzunluğundaki motifleri bulur ve tekli nükleotid motiflerini ortadankaldırarak minimum tekrar sayısını ayarlar. IMEx mükemmel ve kusurlu mikrosatellitleriayrı ayrı bulur. Farklı uzunluklarda 1 ile 6 arasındaki motifleri bulabilir veminimum tekrar sayısı ayarlanabilir. Ek olarak, istenen SSR bölgesi için uygunprimer tasarlanabilir. Normal doku EST'leri için 2, 3, 4, 5 ve 6 nükleotidli motiflerbulunurken, tümörlü doku EST'leri için 5 nükleotidli motif bulunamamıştır., Dogs share a commonenvironment with humans and knowledge of the specific dog breed diseases isvery useful in developing a model for human cancer studies. ESTs represent partof the transcribed genome of an organism and are an important resource foridentifying microsatellites. Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs), ormicrosatellites, which contain repetitive DNA sequences, are among the mostpowerful genetic markers known. The development of EST-SSRs has become a fast,efficient, and low-cost option for genomic studies. In this study, to determineSSRs from EST libraryof mammary gland tissue of the Terrier dog that has 2304ESTs; SSRIT and IMEx software, which have web-based versions and are easilyaccessible, were used. SSRIT finds motifs from 2 to 10 base lengths and adjuststhe minimum number of repeats by eliminating single nucleotide motifs. IMExfinds perfect and imperfect microsatellites separately. It can find motifs ofdifferent lengths from 1 to 6 and the minimum number of repeats can be set. Inaddition, the appropriate primer for the desired SSR region can bedesigned. The 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6nucleotide motifs were found for normal tissue ESTs whereas 5 nucleotide motifswere not found for tumoral tissue ESTs.

Curcumin is assumed to be a plant-derived therapeutic drug that triggers apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo by affecting different molecular targets such as NF-kappa B. Phase I/II trial of curcumin alone or with chemotherapeutic drugs has been accomplished in pancreatic, colon, prostate and breast cancer cases. Recently, autocrine growth hormone (GH) signaling-induced cell growth, metastasis and drug resistance have been demonstrated in breast cancer. In this study, our aim was to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of curcumin by evaluating the molecular machinery of curcumin-triggered apoptotic cell death via focusing on NF-kappa B signaling and polyamine (PA) metabolism in autocrine GH-expressing MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. For this purpose, a pcDNA3.1 (+) vector with a GH gene insert was transfected by a liposomal agent in all breast cancer cells and then selection was conducted in neomycin (G418) included media. Autocrine GH-induced curcumin resistance was overcome in a dose-dependent manner and curcumin inhibited cell proliferation, invasion-metastasis and phosphorylation of p65 (Ser536), and thereby partly prevented its DNA binding activity in breast cancer cells. Moreover, curcumin induced caspase-mediated apoptotic cell death by activating the PA catabolic enzyme expressions, which led to generation of toxic by-products such as H2O2 in MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 GH+ breast cancer cells. In addition, transient silencing of SSAT prevented curcumin-induced cell viability loss and apoptotic cell death in each breast cancer cells. In conclusion, curcumin could overcome the GH-mediated resistant phenotype via modulating cell survival, death-related signaling routes and activating PA catabolic pathway.

Autocrine Growth Hormone (GH) induces cell growth, proliferation metastasis in breast cancer. Curcumin is a promising therapeutic agent in cancer through affecting different molecular targets. Our aim was to demonstrate the molecular machinery of curcumin-mediated apoptosis in autocrine GH + MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (BCCs). Stable GH expressing BCCs were generated by GH gene insert PC3.1 plasmid transfection and Neomycin selection. Although GH + cells are resistant to curcumin treatment, dose-dependent drug exposure decreased cell viability, inhibited colony formation, invasion-metastasis via suppressing GH expression in each BCCs. Anti-hormonal concentration of curcumin (20 µM for MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and 25 µM for MDA-MB-231) inhibited NF-κB p65 (Ser 536) phosphorylation and decreased DNA binding activity of NF-κB p65 in autocrine GH expressing BCCs. In addition, autocrine GH-mediated IL-1α, IL-6, IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions downregulated by curcumin treatment. Moreover, curcumin overcome autocrine GH triggered drug resistant and induced caspase-mediated apoptotic cell death through activating Polyamine (PA) catabolic pathway enzymes which led to generation of toxic by-products such as H2O2 in MCF-7, MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-231 GH + BCCs. In conclusion, curcumin could overcome GH-mediated resistant phenotype via modulating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cytokine expression and PA catabolic machinery activation in breast cancer cells.

Due to the increasing interest for the sensitive detection of molecules in various scientific fields, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) arises as a powerful technique that can provide single molecule sensing capability as well as fingerprint specificity. In order to obtain highly enhanced and reproducible Raman signals for such purposes, fabrication of periodically engineered nanostructures with projected hotspot formation is intensively studied. Herein, we report a non-lithographic method for fabricating periodic arrays of plasmonic nanopillars displaying tunable spectral features by employing nanoporous anodic alumina molds (AAMs). AAMs with ˜80 nm and ˜100 nm pore sizes were used to fabricate drop-casted polycarbonate films possessing small nanopillar arrays (SNPC) and large nanopillar arrays (LNPC), respectively. These films were then modified with a facile polydopamine (PDA)-assisted Ag coating step. The SERS spectra of the resultant Ag@SNPC and Ag@LNPC platforms indicate that both the mold topography as well as the coating period has a direct influence on the enhancement of the Raman signals of a model reporter dye. The Ag@LNPC platforms always displayed intensified SERS signals compared to Ag@SNPC counterparts, and this trend was confirmed with simulation studies. The intensity difference was attributed to improved probability of hotspot formation for the more closely arranged nanoantennas on the Ag@LNPC platform. Both substrates showed enhanced SERS signals compared to Ag deposited flat PC substrates and reproducible signals with relative standard deviation values ˜10% were obtained from independently prepared samples.

1st International Conference on the Sustainable Energy and Environment Development (SEED) -- MAY 17-19, 2016 -- Krakow, POLAND WOS:000392270000005 Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are most promising devices among third generation solar cells because of low cost, easy production, environmental friendliness, and relatively high conversion efficiency. Counter electrode (CE), which is an important component in DSSCs, functions as an electron transfer agent as well as the regenerator of redox couple. Hitherto, various methods and materials were used to prepare different counter electrodes.Among these materials, conducting polymers have been widely investigated and employed in various applications such as sensors, supercapacitors, energy storage devices, DSSCs and others. In this study, Polythiophene (PTh) conducting polymer was successfully synthesized by electrochemical deposition method, and employed as an alternative to expensive platinum (Pt) CE for DSSC. Besides, PTh conducting polymer was electrochemically deposited via cyclic voltammetry method on FTO substrates. The morphology of the PTh film was characterized by SEM and AFM. Finally, the photovoltaic performance of PTh CE based DSSC was compared with PEDOT CE based device. This new concept along with promising electrocatalytic activity and facile electron transfer provides a new approach to enhance the photovoltaic performances of Pt free DSSCs. Head Minist Sci & Higher Educ, Minist Energy, Minist Environm, Natl Fund Environm Protect & Water Management, Energy Regulatory Off, Natl Ctr Res & Dev, Head Malopolska Prov Off, Marshal Malopolska Reg, Municipality Krakow, Natl Contact Point, AGH UST Rector, EDFPolska, Cieplo Krakowa, CC Poland Plus, MetalERG, RWE Polska, Fdn Inst Sustainable Energy, AGH UST, Fac Energy & Fuels

The quantitative determination and identification of bio-/chemical molecules at ultra-low concentrations is a hot topic in several fields including medical diagnostics, environmental science, and homeland security. Molecular detection techniques are conventionally based on optical, electrochemical, electronic, or gravimetric methodologies. Among these methods, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is considered as one of the most reliable, sensitive and selective techniques for non-destructive molecular analysis through the amplification of electromagnetic fields and/or creation of charge-transfer states between the chemisorbed analyte molecule and SERS active platform. Unfortunately, the applicability of SERS is rather limited, which is mainly due to the lack of highly sensitive SERS platforms with good stability and reproducibility. In line with this, metal nanoparticles (e.g., Au, Ag, and Cu) have been extensively exploited as SERS active platforms. Although the utilization of metallic nanoparticles in SERS is simple and cost-effective, the poor controllability of the structures and limited formation of hot spots in the detection zone leads to discrepancy in the resulting SERS signals. For these reasons, in the past few years, researchers have focused on fabricating 3-dimensional (3D) SERS platforms, which increase the adsorption of analyte molecules and facilitate hot spot formation in all three dimensions. However, the fabrication of 3D SERS platforms is mostly expensive and technologically demanding. Therefore, the discovery of non-metal alternative approaches is of great interest not only to widen SERS applications but to further elucidate fundamental questions. Considering recent developments on the fabrication and application of SERS active platforms, this review is structured in 3 main directions; (1) implementation of the plasmonic nanoparticles having different shapes into SERS-active platforms, (2) highlighting recent developments in the fabrication and application of 3D SERS-active platforms, and (3) examination of recent novel inorganic and organic semiconductor based platforms for SERS applications. At the end, we conclude with the promises and challenges for the future evolution of SERS.